Kilgore's Tax rate won't likely drop

Don't expect a reduction in the city's tax rate next year.

That was the word from the city manager when Kilgore City Council met in an off-week workshop to discuss the budget for the coming fiscal year.

Kilgore's tax rate is 46 cents per $100 valuation and will likely remain there, according to Jeff Howell.

Eugene Davis, director of Kilgore Community Crisis Center, appealed to city council to consider placing the crisis center on the city's budget.

"The city has always supported the crisis center," Davis said. "Council always approves permitting for the annual chili cook-off, but the city has not been a supporter from its general obligation fund."

Davis named four entities that specifically make an annual allocation to the center. According to Davis, City of Marshall gives approximately $3,000 annually; Gregg County gives $9,000; Rusk County allocates $3,000; and, Harrison County gives another $1,000.

No further discussion was considered for the crisis center at this week's worksession.

With city employees are slated to receive a 5 percent cost-ofliving raise, the council budgeted $380,883 for cost-of-living increases in the budget.

The council also tentatively agreed to set aside almost $254,000 for staff step increases, based on job evaluation and tenure.

David Hackley, utilities superintendent, requested that council allocate his department funds to repair the roads inside the waste water treatment plant, repair lagging sewer pumps, perform maintenance on water towers and purchase a GPS locator.

Capital improvements up for discussion were fencing at the city yard behind city hall, spending $499,000 on Lantrip Street drainage channel and $289,000 on miscellaneous drainage projects.

Council also discussed the possibility of a water rate in- crease, but no firm decisions were made.

Howell said he would be open for comment about the budget.

The next budget worksession follows the next regularly scheduled meeting of Kilgore City Council 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 at Kilgore City Hall in Council Chambers.